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Farmers sound farm bill, disaster assistance alarm

Commodity groups, including Plains Cotton Growers, converged on Capitol Hill with a united message that farmers are suffering and need a new farm bill. Producers are encouraged to continue to contact their representatives.

Kara Bishop, Plains Cotton Growers, Director of Communications and Public Affairs

September 24, 2024

3 Min Read
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Commodity groups headed to Washington D.C. with a united message that passage of the new farm bill is desperately needed.drnadig/iStock/Getty Images Plus

It was a fast and furious fly-in as commodity groups and associated industry recently swarmed Congress to advocate for farm policy. Plains Cotton Growers, Inc., participated in 31 meetings and fundraisers in two days on Capitol Hill.

“This was a well-designed and strategically calculated effort by many national, state and regional groups,” said PCG CEO Kody Bessent. “It was also unique — we don’t typically see a cotton producer, wheat producer, sorghum producer, peanut producer, etc., and a lending institution all walk into the same meeting, but that’s what happened this week. We all worked together to paint the picture of farm country’s suffering.”

Members of Congress had been hearing from their constituency during the August recess and the timing of this fly-in couldn’t have been better as it was fresh on their minds and they were ready to work, Bessent added. The PCG delegation witnessed several positive exchanges.

“I was encouraged by Sen. Cruz listening to us and immediately instructing his staff to communicate our issues and put pressure on the Senate to work on a farm bill,” said Travis Mires, PCG president. “I feel more optimistic about things than I did before we went.”

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Brent Coker, PCG vice president, felt like Congress began to understand how badly farmers are hurting.“We walked into every meeting a little differently this year than in the past. There wasn’t any small talk — we got down to business.”

Related:Biologicals to headline Texas Plant Protection event

The commodities groups displayed a united front. “I was encouraged by all the collaboration that PCG had with the other commodity groups and organizations,” said PCG Chairman Martin Stoerner. “We had one collective voice, and I felt that was powerful.”

While the group was in D.C., a memo was issued by House Ag Committee Ranking Member David Scott to his democrat delegation. He stated, “We all know that Congress needs pressure to act. That is why Chairman Thompson, Chair Stabenow, Ranking Member Boozman and I agree we are better off without another extension at this point. The farm groups are also asking Congress to continue to work on passing a full farm bill this year and are not supporting any extension at this time.”

Farm bill countdown

Congress may have a limited number of days left in session to get a farm bill and disaster-economic assistance package accomplished by the end of the calendar year, but the pressure is real, and they understand the urgency and importance of getting it done, according to Bessent.

"There are ongoing efforts for a continuing resolution to keep the government running at the end of this month, and we’re optimistic that Congress will function and work for the people as is their charge."

Related:More trimming of U.S. cotton crop

That being said, Bessent said communication efforts can not let up. "We must continuously let them know what agriculture needs. We are all ambassadors of our industry, so continue to engage with your U.S. Congressman and Senators in every way possible. Your call provides real-time information that helps them as legislators and helps drive federal policy for the betterment of our industry and nation."

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Farm Bill

About the Author

Kara Bishop, Plains Cotton Growers

Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Plains Cotton Growers

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